ANGUILLA PREPARES FOR 2013 WINTER SEASON

With the start of the Winter Season just around the corner, the idyllic island of Anguilla is pulling out all the stops to ensure readiness to welcome visitors to its shores. From revitalizing hotel upgrades and exciting new packages, to ensuring that visitors can enjoy more options to get to Anguilla, the island’s tourism players are committed to providing an enhanced tourism experience this winter.

Funtime Charters Anguilla has announced the unveiling of their new website and have also launched the newest addition to their fleet, Sunshine Express, a 42- seat air-conditioned luxury vessel which will be available for chartered services between Anguilla and St Maarten. According to Marketing Director, Gillian Richardson, Chris Cutler, the principal of Funtime charters saw the need and forged ahead to expand his fleet and continuously align his company with that of the evolving world, hence rebuilding the website to showcase the new and improved Funtime Charters Anguilla, and the additional services that are now available for the new season and beyond. Ms Richardson further pointed out that Mr Cutler has remained focused on bridging the gap between Anguilla and St. Maarten to minimize the transfer challenges, while providing much more comfort and sophistication for their invaluable clientele.

Anguilla’s resorts have also announced a number of attractive and exciting new packages to woo visitors interested in a luxury Caribbean vacation experience.

Viceroy Resort and Villas is pleased to announce two new offerings in time for Thanksgiving. The new Viceroy Villa Thanksgiving Feast offers villa accommodations with a private pool, butler service, and a traditional Thanksgiving turkey dinner, with guests having the option to prepare it for themselves, or to request the services of one of the Resort’s private chefs. Pricing begins at $3,500 per night for a four-night stay or longer November 19 – 26, 2012. The Viceroy Inclusive Package (VIP) allows two guests staying in Viceroy King Accommodation to enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner daily at any of the resort’s restaurants. If a guest chooses to dine off property for dinner a $100 resort credit will be issued for guests’ use during their stay. Thanksgiving dinner in a hotel restaurant is also included in this package. Available from October 17, 2012 , rates begin at $699 per night through December 20, 2012; and $899 per night January 1 through March 31, 2013.

Cuisinart Golf Resort and Spa have reopened after a brief hiatus, and is looking forward to a fabulous season in 2012/2013. They are enticing guests with a number of packages including their “Tee Up and Revive” package which includes Five Nights, Six Days Accommodation in Beachfront Suite; Airport and Ferry Greeting; Caribbean Welcome Drink upon Arrival; Full breakfast daily at Café Mediterraneo or a Continental Breakfast en suite; Three Rounds of Golf at The CuisinArt Golf Club; Two 50-minute Spa Treatments or one Couples Massage; One Lunch for two at Café Mediterraneo; and One Dinner for two at your choice of the Resort’s Restaurants. The Cuisinart “Girlfriends Getaway” package offers Beachfront Suite Accommodation; Airport and Ferry Greeting; Caribbean Welcome Drink upon Arrival; Full breakfast daily at Café Mediterraneo or a Continental Breakfast en suite; Spa Welcome Amenity; Two Anguillian Water Journey Treatments (80 minutes, includes Caribbean Sea Salt Glo, Tropical Rain Vichy Shower, and Aqua Massage in Healing Waters Pool); Two Ladies Pampering Package (80 minutes, includes Hydrating Skin Facial, Deep Conditioning Scalp Treatment, and a Classic Massage); and Two 50-Minute Warmed Seashell Massage. The package also offers Complimentary Use of Hammam; One Lunch for Two at Café Mediterraneo; and One Dinner for Two at your choice of the Resort’s Restaurants. Starting at US$3330.00 and US$3335.00 respectively, and based on double occupancy , these packages are available from November 21 to December 19, 2012.

Cap Juluca Resort has also announced the re-opening of the luxurious Caribbean hideaway for the Winter season, scheduled for November 15. Exciting updates to the luxury resort for this season include updates and enhancements to guestrooms of all category; deluxe in-room refreshment centers with complimentary beverages; a completely-new 3,290 square foot two-bedroom private pool luxury suite – The Jonquil Suite – featuring two master bedrooms, a central spacious sitting room, full-service kitchen, an oceanfront dining terrace and a private, freshwater infinity pool and Jacuzzi; a new beachfront bar – Barkleys – located directly on the beach and offering breakfast, lunch and of course refreshments and cocktails daily. The menu is a selection of fusion dishes combining Caribbean, Asian and Classic influence; Chattertons – the popular bar will now offer entertainment with a Caribbean casual flair. The bar will have a lounge atmosphere along with dancing, ensuring the venue is a popular social gathering place for guests; the popular Pimms restaurant on property will sport a fresh look and offer new menu selections with French and Caribbean influence; Maundays will be featuring expertly-trained baristas to create the perfect brew from espressos to lattes and fine teas. Freshly squeezed juices and smoothies are blended to order, along with Mojitos and other cocktails to enjoy both the sunshine and sunset. With Fall, room rates beginning at $476.00 per night, the hotel is also planning and executing a full-property refurbishment program which will seamlessly unfold over the next several years, ensuring the accommodations and guest experience are continually enhanced to meet the expectations of the most discerning traveler.

Anacaona Boutique Hotel can make your wish come true with their Three Night/Four Day “Or” Four Night/Five Day “GIVE THANKS ” IN THE FALL package, featuring Three or Four Nights “Run of the House” Accommodations for Two, inclusive of a Welcome “Rum Punch” Cocktail; Full Caribbean Breakfast daily for Two; Evening Manager/Owners’ Cocktail Reception (Monday only); and accommodation tax and service charges included. The Package is based on Double Occupancy: US$347.50 Per Person for 3 Nights; US$465.00 Per Person for 4 Nights. Solo Rate (Single) Rate Available: US$605.00 per person for 3 Nights US$810.00 per person for 4 Nights.

Carimar Beach Club is excited to share their new look with visitors this winter, having undertaken comprehensive upgrades to their living room and dining room furnishings, as well as offering comfortable patio furniture and new bed linens, for a fresh, casual and tropical look that is just the way their guests like it. A number of special packages are also available including their January Special (valid January 5th to 20th, 2013) which includes 7 nights accommodation with all taxes included PLUS 4 dinners and 4 lunches PLUS 2 days car rental (Rates from $3333 per person). Other options offer Stay 7 nights~Pay for 5 all taxes included PLUS 4 dinners and 4 lunches PLUS 2 days car rental (valid Nov 1-15, 2012 and May 1-Aug 31, 2013, with rates from $2259); and 7 nights accommodation all taxes included PLUS 4 dinners and 4 lunches PLUS 2 days car rental (valid Nov 16-Dec 18, 2012 and April 1-30, 2013 with rates from $2579).

Paradise Cove Resort is currently offering a 7 Nights Accommodation package which includes 7 Days Car Rental, a Starter Breakfast Basket, and all applicable Service Charge, Taxes and Levies, starting from $2015.

The Anguilla Great House Beach Resort is pleased to offer its “Great House Inclusive” Plan starting from $150 per night. Based on a minimum booking of 5 nights, double occupancy, an additional payment of $95.00 per day per person includes breakfast, lunch and 3 course dinner. Children under 6 pay $50.00 per day. The package also includes a drink voucher valued at $25.00 per person per day (hotel bar only, not redeemable for cash); return transfers to the Clayton J. Lloyd Airport/ Blowing-Point Ferry Terminal; and all government tax and service charges. This offer is valid up to December 20, 2012.

The Frangipani Beach Resort presents its 5 Night Adventure Package, encouraging visitors to pick their room type, pick their date and pick their adventure in Anguilla, by selecting two of five activities including a Prickly Pear Snorkel Trip; a Sunset Cocktail Cruise; a trip to Sandy Island; 2-Day Car Rental; or 4 Days of Sailing Lessons. The package also includes a Welcome rum punch; Continental Breakfast; all motorized and non-motorized water sports (tubing, skiing, wakeboarding, sailing, and kayaking) and Tennis, as well as Full Beach Service. Room categories start at $1250.00 per night, and the offer is valid from November 1st to December 16th 2012.

In the culinary arena, Anguilla welcomes newcomers, Elite Restaurant in Island Harbour and Ocean Echo on gorgeous Meads Bay to its impressive cadre of restaurants, while island favourites like Tasty’s, E’s Oven, Tokyo Bay, Aleta’s and Sandy Island have enhanced their culinary offering with exciting changes to the layout of their restaurants or innovative additions to their menus.

Ani Villas has announced the return of their “Fit for a King (literally)” culinary program, featuring award-winning Chef, Stephen Lawton who worked for years as the Executive Chef at the private residence of King Abullah and Queen Raina of Jordan. The Chef and Owner of “The Coach House” for which he has won numerous awards including Best Restaurant by Remy Martin and Best Restaurant in Wales, Stephen’s style is International based on a classical French cuisine heritage. He will be showcasing his culinary skills at Ani Villas from 17th November until 11th January 2013. Early bookings are recommended.

Le Bleu and Indigo, two of Anguilla’s most elegant private villas are offering visitors the opportunity to take advantage of a US$3,000.00 discount by booking before November 17, 2012. Visitors can end the year with an amazing island escape or save by planning their island getaway for 2013 now! Book Indigo and Le Bleu together and receive the discount for both villas. This offer does not apply to the festive period and may not be combined with any other discounts. Offering stunning views of the Caribbean and St. Martin, extensive gardens, private pools and secluded beaches, both showcase properties offer the pinnacle of gracious island living with finely appointed interiors and a full staff to meet every need and request. A private chef will create exquisite island-inspired dishes while guests relax and enjoy the ultimate villa lifestyle. As always a full service package is included in the rates.

Meanwhile, Anguilla has been the recipient of a number of accolades and awards, and has been recognized as one of the top 10 best islands in the Caribbean by Conde Nast Traveller Readers’ choice Awards. CuisinArt Golf Resort and Spa, and Cap Juluca Resort have also both been named on the Best Resort list, while Viceroy Anguilla, has been recognized on the Best Hotel list in the Caribbean and Atlantic. Meads Bay Villas has been awarded recognition as #1 of Top Ten Island Resorts by Trip Advisor, while Anacaona Boutique Hotel has been mentioned in Travel and Leisure, and Cap Juluca has been showcased in the upcoming November issue of Brides magazine. In the arena of television advertising and exposure, both Anacaona Boutique Hotel and Tequila Sunrise have been featured on the popular series, Wheel of Fortune; Ani Villas was highlighted in the Canada AM TV travel news with Loren Christie , while Ani Villas, Seabird Villa, Villa Modena and Viceroy Anguilla have all shared the spotlight in the recent filming of The Real Housewives of Atlanta and the music video version of Rick Ross’ “Diced Pineapples” hit rap song.

ABOUT ANGUILLA

The tiny, tropical paradise, Anguilla is located in the North-eastern Caribbean, just 150 miles east of Puerto Rico and 5 miles north of St Maarten. Recognized amongst discerning travelers for its aura of tranquility, elegance and simplicity, the island has built a reputation as the destination of choice for those in search of “the Caribbean vacation the way it used to be”. Anguilla is world renowned for its 33 pristine white sand beaches, its eclectic cuisine, its intriguing culture and traditions, and the warmth and friendliness of its 13,000 Anguillian hosts. Visitors to the island enjoy accommodations ranging from signature 5-star resorts and ultra-luxurious villas to the more moderately priced Charming Escapes properties, inns and guesthouses, while State-of-the-art spa facilities, the Greg Norman-designed signature golf course and the superlative Tennis Academy are only some of the interesting alternatives to traditional island activities such as snorkeling, diving, sailing or fishing. The island can be easily accessed by air (with Anguilla Air Services or TransAnguilla Airways) or sea (via scheduled and charter ferry services) from the Princess Juliana International Airport in St. Maarten, which offers non-stop and direct service from a growing number of North-American cities via American Airlines Jet Blue, Air France, United Airlines, Delta, Air Canada and West Jet; as well as from San Juan, Puerto Rico via Anguilla Air Express and Cape Air, making Anguilla the perfect vacation experience to aspire to. To learn more about Anguilla call the Anguilla Tourist Board at 1.264-497-2759; visit www.ivisitanguilla.com; like us on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter. @AnguillaTourism www.facebook.com/pages/Anguilla